MOTOR DRIVERS’ DEATH.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 10 November 1924, Page 7

MOTOR DRIVERS’ DEATH.

SEQUEL TO ACCIDENT. EVIDENCE AT THE INQUEST. (by TELEGRAPH —PRESS ASSOCIATION. WELLINGTON, Nov. ,10. The inquest was continued to-day on Frank Garland, who was killed in a motor accident at Plimmerton. John Timothy Hynes, residing at Plimmerton, said that on October 11 the deceased stayed at his bach. THe next afternoon witness took a truck on a demonstration run. Deceased was driving, and on arrival at Paekakariki the party of four had a drink, and after a short interval had another one, both as the publican’s guests. The return journey then coinmence.d, and everything went smoothly for a time, but between Pahautanui "and Plimmerton they collided with a motor and then ran into a bank. The speed varied from eight to '3O miles an hour. >Vhen near Plimmerton, at a bend in the road, the driver had turned the car about one-third round the corner, and then it went right over the bank. It toppled about 25 feet, turning twice over as it fell. All were thrown out, and Garland was so badlv injured that he died shortly afterwards. When on the return journey witness had in his possession a bottle of whisky partly full. None was partaken of by the party on the return.

Gilbert Tinney said that all the liquor in the bach at the week-end was a bottle of whisky. Witness thought the accident was the result of the sun sinning right in the driver’s eves as tile truck was travelling down" hill Another explanation was that the driver’s attention was attracted elsewhere. Garland had only two drinks at 1 aekak.ar.iki, and seemed absolutely sober. John O’Connor said the speed on the journey was quite normal. Fred Yates, who saw the truck passing, estimated the speed at 45 miles per hour.